Resources Page Six

Resources: 6 of 10

More Software Buying Tips

Operating System: The MacOS operating system to run your machine is always included with your Macintosh. However, like Windows, the MacOS is regularly updated to provide new abilities. The most current version is MacOS 8.5, which runs only on Macs that use a PowerPC processor. It is a remarkable upgrade that really is like "getting a new Mac for only $99." The previous MacOS 8 (with the 8.1 update) is also a great choice, and it runs on Mac Quadra, Centris and Performa models which use the Motorola 68040 processor.

Older Macs using the Motorola 68030 processor should use System Software version 7.5.5 or 7.6.1. (NOTE: If you're still using a Mac Plus, LC or Mac II with the 68000 or 68020 processor, the best version of system software for you is 7.1, with System 7 update 3.0.)

Accounting Software: For home users, the only really choice is Intuit's Quicken ($60). For small business owners, Intuit's QuickBooks ($125) competes with M.Y.O.B. (Mind Your Own Business, $125) from Bestware. We use M.Y.O.B.

Utility Software: Utilities are software programs that make your Mac more reliable or easier to use. There are several popular titles and categories you should consider:

HARD DISK REPAIR: Although Apple's Disk First Aid software is included with your operating system, two more advanced hard disk repair tools are available. The overwhelming leader is Symantec's Norton Utilities for Macintosh ($100). A relative newcomer which provides additional capabilities is MicroMat's TechTool Pro ($100).

VIRUS PROTECTION: Compared to PCs, viruses are very rare in the Macintosh world. However, a few have recently crept up that can really cause problems. The two best virus killers are Norton AntiVirus for Macintosh ($65) and Network Associate's Virex ($60).

BACKUP SOFTWARE: Everyone knows they should backup their important files every day, but it's such a pain that we often forget about even trying. If that describes you, the solution may be found in the full family of Dantz Retrospect backup/archive utilities. The standard Retrospect package ($150) is a full-featured version that makes regular backups to any media fast and painless. For home users, Retrospect Express ($50) provides many of the same abilities in a more affordable package. At the top of the line, Retrospect Network ($300, plus about $20 for each workstation license) can automate backups for all the machines in your office to a single network storage device.

FONT MANAGEMENT: There used to be a variety of choices. And, technically, there still are. But Adobe Type Manager Deluxe ($70) has quickly become the preferred utility for keeping fonts under control, out of the way, and corruption free. Everyone who has, let's say, more than 100 different fonts should purchase and install ATM Deluxe. Plus, to keep your fonts organized and easy to read when you pull down any Font Menu, get ATM's sister utility, Adobe Type Reunion Deluxe ($50). (The two are often sold as a package for about $90.)

By the way, even if you don't have tons of fonts, you certainly want the "basic" version of ATM installed to help Postscript Fonts look better on screen. (ATM isn't really needed if you only use TrueType Fonts.) The easiest way to get ATM is to download Adobe Acrobat Reader. This free utility enables you to open and read Portable Document Format (".pdf") files that you've downloaded, and it places the newest version of ATM into your system folder during installation.

EXTENSION MANAGEMENT: Conflicts between extensions in your system folder are the single largest cause of problems. Apple's built-in Extension Manager does a fine job on most systems, but high-end users with dozens of software titles and hardware peripherals (and, as a result, many more extensions) can avoid extension conflict problems with Casady & Green's Conflict Catcher ($80).

COMPRESSION: To squash large files down to smaller sizes for faster emailing, and to save valuable disk space, the only choice is Aladdin's Stuffit Deluxe ($60). (NOTE: Some components of Stuffit Deluxe are included for free with your web browser, or available as inexpensive shareware from the Aladdin web site.)

VIRTUAL MEMORY: If you can't fit more RAM in your Mac, Connectix RamDoubler ($50) is more powerful and stable than the Virtual Memory ability of any MacOS version prior to v8.1.

SCREEN SAVERS: We hate to tell you this, but software to prevent "screen burn in" is completely unnecessary with modern monitors. (They have built-in screen-saving circuits to prevent this problem.) Still, if you have extra RAM (to prevent stability problems), and are looking for "eye-candy" to brighten your day, Berkeley System's After Dark ($40) is a great diversion.

FUN AND GAMES: None of us at 5-Minute Mac are big "gamers." We already spend so many hours staring at computer screens that, in our spare time, we turn the machines off and do something more active. If you're a gamer, we suggest you ask around and browse the retail stores to find software titles that you will enjoy.

However, since we can't really "recommend" their After Dark software, we think it's only fair to mention the one Berkeley Systems product we use quite often (probably more than we really should): the irreverent and sarcastic trivia game series You Don't Know Jack ($50). It's not for wallflowers, and your kids may not understand some of the humor, but it will certainly add spice to your next business or holiday party!

Finally, we've been asked several times for ideas about software to keep children entertained during family get-togethers. Our answer? Aside from the wide range of educational titles or simple games available, go get a copy of Kai's PowerGoo from MetaCreations. For only $39, you can give the kids hours of fun. (Adults will enjoy it, too.)

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Resources: 6 of 10
More Software Buying Tips Operating System: The MacOS operating system to run your machine is always included with your Macintosh. However, like Windows, the MacOS is regularly updated to provide new abilities. The most current version is MacOS 8.5, which runs only on Macs that use a PowerPC processor. It is a remarkable upgrade that really is like "getting a new Mac for only $99." The previous MacOS 8 (with the 8.1 update) is also a great choice, and it runs on Mac Quadra, Centris and Performa models which use the Motorola 68040 processor. Older Macs using the Motorola 68030 processor should use System Software version 7.5.5 or 7.6.1. (NOTE: If you're still using a Mac Plus, LC or Mac II with the 68000 or 68020 processor, the best version of system software for you is 7.1, with System 7 update 3.0.) Accounting Software: For home users, the only really choice is Intuit's Quicken ($60). For small business owners, Intuit's QuickBooks ($125) competes with M.Y.O.B. (Mind Your Own Business, $125) from Bestware. We use M.Y.O.B. Utility Software: Utilities are software programs that make your Mac more reliable or easier to use. There are several popular titles and categories you should consider: HARD DISK REPAIR: Although Apple's Disk First Aid software is included with your operating system, two more advanced hard disk repair tools are available. The overwhelming leader is Symantec's Norton Utilities for Macintosh ($100). A relative newcomer which provides additional capabilities is MicroMat's TechTool Pro ($100). VIRUS PROTECTION: Compared to PCs, viruses are very rare in the Macintosh world. However, a few have recently crept up that can really cause problems. The two best virus killers are Norton AntiVirus for Macintosh ($65) and Network Associate's Virex ($60). BACKUP SOFTWARE: Everyone knows they should backup their important files every day, but it's such a pain that we often forget about even trying. If that describes you, the solution may be found in the full family of Dantz Retrospect backup/archive utilities. The standard Retrospect package ($150) is a full-featured version that makes regular backups to any media fast and painless. For home users, Retrospect Express ($50) provides many of the same abilities in a more affordable package. At the top of the line, Retrospect Network ($300, plus about $20 for each workstation license) can automate backups for all the machines in your office to a single network storage device. FONT MANAGEMENT: There used to be a variety of choices. And, technically, there still are. But Adobe Type Manager Deluxe ($70) has quickly become the preferred utility for keeping fonts under control, out of the way, and corruption free. Everyone who has, let's say, more than 100 different fonts should purchase and install ATM Deluxe. Plus, to keep your fonts organized and easy to read when you pull down any Font Menu, get ATM's sister utility, Adobe Type Reunion Deluxe ($50). (The two are often sold as a package for about $90.) By the way, even if you don't have tons of fonts, you certainly want the "basic" version of ATM installed to help Postscript Fonts look better on screen. (ATM isn't really needed if you only use TrueType Fonts.) The easiest way to get ATM is to download Adobe Acrobat Reader. This free utility enables you to open and read Portable Document Format (".pdf") files that you've downloaded, and it places the newest version of ATM into your system folder during installation. EXTENSION MANAGEMENT: Conflicts between extensions in your system folder are the single largest cause of problems. Apple's built-in Extension Manager does a fine job on most systems, but high-end users with dozens of software titles and hardware peripherals (and, as a result, many more extensions) can avoid extension conflict problems with Casady & Green's Conflict Catcher ($80). COMPRESSION: To squash large files down to smaller sizes for faster emailing, and to save valuable disk space, the only choice is Aladdin's Stuffit Deluxe ($60). (NOTE: Some components of Stuffit Deluxe are included for free with your web browser, or available as inexpensive shareware from the Aladdin web site.) VIRTUAL MEMORY: If you can't fit more RAM in your Mac, Connectix RamDoubler ($50) is more powerful and stable than the Virtual Memory ability of any MacOS version prior to v8.1. SCREEN SAVERS: We hate to tell you this, but software to prevent "screen burn in" is completely unnecessary with modern monitors. (They have built-in screen-saving circuits to prevent this problem.) Still, if you have extra RAM (to prevent stability problems), and are looking for "eye-candy" to brighten your day, Berkeley System's After Dark ($40) is a great diversion. FUN AND GAMES: None of us at 5-Minute Mac are big "gamers." We already spend so many hours staring at computer screens that, in our spare time, we turn the machines off and do something more active. If you're a gamer, we suggest you ask around and browse the retail stores to find software titles that you will enjoy. However, since we can't really "recommend" their After Dark software, we think it's only fair to mention the one Berkeley Systems product we use quite often (probably more than we really should): the irreverent and sarcastic trivia game series You Don't Know Jack ($50). It's not for wallflowers, and your kids may not understand some of the humor, but it will certainly add spice to your next business or holiday party! Finally, we've been asked several times for ideas about software to keep children entertained during family get-togethers. Our answer? Aside from the wide range of educational titles or simple games available, go get a copy of Kai's PowerGoo from MetaCreations. For only $39, you can give the kids hours of fun. (Adults will enjoy it, too.)
BACK		NEXT

HOME . SERVICES . HELP DESK . RESOURCES . WHY MAC . CREDENTIALS
Copyright 1998, 5-Minute Mac Consulting, Wampum, Pennsylvania, USA